It seems there is a website that uses both, and is using Dreamhost services. I see that the terms of service is that no child pornography is allowed, but nothing in regard to regular pornography.

I believe a responsible organization like Dreamhost would reject a site that features racism... Is that true? Perhaps the website in question (more about that later perhaps, it will remain unmentioned for now) just has slipped through the cracks?

DreamHost's policies pretty much allow anything that is not illegal, and there are *many* "adult" sites and other sites that one person or another might find objectionable (including "racist" sites, as one or another might define them) hosted by DreamHost.

This may bother some, but DH's vision of "freedom" is one of the main reasons I host here.

You might find more specific information regarding your concerns on the Dreamhost Abuse Center site, where some of your questions are addressed and where you will find instructions on how to bring violations of DreamHost's policies, or the law, to DreamHost's attention.

Unfortunately racism is a point of view (if repellent and misguided) and one thing about the internet is freedom to air your views. Racists have a right to their own view, I have a right to ignore them.

Quote:So a pornographic racist site that makes the crudest sexist remarks about non-public figures for the purpose of defaming them is welcomed at Dreamhost?

I don't know think that is necessarily a correct statement at all.

Life is fraught with unpleasant, unsavory, and undesirable things of all varieties, however you or anyone else chooses to define them, and there are many places where such things are more accurately described as being tolerated than "weclome" (though that also varies from venue to venue).

Clearly, if you find such a site to be offensive you should exercise your right to avoid being subjected to it by not visiting it.

DreamHost has no obligation to cater to any one, or any group's, definition of what should be allowed or tolerated. It's their "house" and, to the degree allowed by law, they can make their own rules. For an example of this, look closely at their Anti-Spam policy. Spammers who are offended by this may well choose not to host here. Others who do not want to be associated in any way with a company that hosts sites they find to be offensive may make the same choice. Isn't freedom a wonderful thing?

I remain glad that DreamHost leaves the choice about what to see on the internet in *my* hands by, in as much as is allowable under the law, allowing even unpopular or <insert your adjective here> speech on it's network.

Quote:So a pornographic racist site that makes the crudest sexist remarks about non-public figures for the purpose of defaming them is welcomed at Dreamhost?

No, true defamation of a non-public figure is illegal and therefore violates the ToS that DH has. Defamation falls under libel (subjects one to ridicule, disgrace, etc.) and/or slander (essentially spreading rumors behind someone's back). Typically, if it's a false attack on a non-public figure's character, it can be considered defamation and is illegal.

As far as allowing racism, that's part of freedom of speech. If we didn't let idiots speak up, we wouldn't be able to identify them so easily